At first I was fighting to save rubber trees, then I thought I was fighting to save the Amazon rain forest. Now I realize I am fighting for humanity.

—Chico Mendes

Four Osprey was founded in 2009 as a 501[c][3] organization and since its inception has focused on initiatives at the intersection of social justice and sustainability.

Board of Directors

REBECCA MCBRIDE
Founder and President

Rebecca brings over 30 years of experience in strategic planning, management, and marketing to the organization, most recently as Senior Associate Director of the University of Illinois’ Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Throughout her life, she has felt an inherent and spiritual connection with the natural world, and a compelling desire to re-examine the relationship between humankind and our environment. After earning her MBA from the University of Illinois, she began a personal exploration of the writings and teachings surrounding environmental science, environmental sociology, environmental ethics and related fields. Those studies, combined with her lifelong interest in sustainability were catalyzed into action by a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2005 (she is currently cancer-free), and in 2009, 4 Osprey—an organization designed to promote the acceptance of an ecocentric value system—was born.

 

ANNI POPPEN
Vice President

Anni is the owner of Mowgli Studio, a graphic design and marketing firm for pivotal non-profits and socially responsible businesses. Anni strongly believes, as a graphic designer, she is responsible for deciding where to encourage consumers to spend their money or put their efforts. Marketing is a small, but potent, part of our systems.

After reading Rachel Carsonʼs 1962 book, “Silent Spring”, which documented the negative environmental side-effects of pesticides—she was moved to change her focus in college, graduating with a BS in Earth Systems, Environment & Society with a focus in Science of the Earth System, as well as an AA in Graphic Design.

Anni also is a vegan, intersectional activist—recognizing all forms of injustice and how closely they intertwine with one another. In order to see true change in the world, she believes in acknowledging social justice for one issue (for example, environmentalism) cannot ignore (or aggravate) other issues.

 

BETSY BACHMANN
Treasurer

Betsy is an independent landscaper in the Champaign-Urbana area of Illinois, encouraging clients to incorporate organic methods and native species into their exterior designs. She is a graduate of Chapmanʼs School of Seamanship and Professional Mariner Training Program. She now resides on a partially wooded, 7 acre property along the Sangamon River (no good for sailing, but awesome, nonetheless), which she of course maintains organically. Prior to self-employment, she worked at large corporations such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Quaker Oats.

 

CASSIE CARROLL
Director

Cassie brings over ten years of sustainable business experience in small businesses and organizations throughout Illinois. Cassie is currently the Marketing and Outreach Program Manager for the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) at the University of Illinois, an organization that helps reduce energy use in facilities across Illinois. Cassie also currently serves as the coordinator of the Green Business Engagement National Network (GBENN), coordinating networking and information-sharing opportunities for green business programs across the United States.

Cassie has had a passion for sustainability ever since her and her father took long walks in the woods as a teen, learning about the intricacies of nature and exploring our human effects on our natural landscapes. Due to this cultivated curiosity from traipsing through the forest, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois. After graduating, she noticed a disparity between our ecology and economy, and launched the Illinois Green Business Association in 2008 with close friends. Her passion for sustainable business, local food and small farms, local impact and efficiency has continued to grow, seeking new strategies and models of integration of sustainable strategies in businesses and communities and exploring the balance between economic benefit and environmental impact.

Locally, she enjoys serving a variety of community organizations, such as the University YMCA, but she also enjoys backyard gardening, yoga and creating canned creations from her garden produce.

 

Partners